Ipamorelin vs SM-130686
A uniquely selective growth hormone booster that tells your pituitary to release more GH without messing with your cortisol or other hormones—making it the 'clean' choice among growth hormone peptides.
Experimental oral growth hormone secretagogue with anabolic potential from preclinical research
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
Ipamorelin
200–200 mcg
SM-130686
5–20 mg
Frequency
Ipamorelin
Multiple times daily
SM-130686
Multiple times daily
Administration
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
SM-130686
Oral capsule or powder
Cycle length
Ipamorelin
8-12 weeks
SM-130686
8-12 weeks
Onset speed
Ipamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
SM-130686
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
Ipamorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
SM-130686
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
Muscle and Strength
Recovery and Performance
Metabolic Health
Compound specifications
Ipamorelin
Molecular formula
C38H49N9O5
Molecular weight
711.85 g/mol
Half-life
2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS number
170851-70-4
SM-130686
Molecular formula
C22H24Cl2F3N3O3
Molecular weight
506.3 g/mol (as HCl salt)
Half-life
Not published in humans (preclinical only)
Bioavailability
28% in rats (oral administration)
CAS number
259667-25-9
Dosing compared
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous
100 mcg per injection
2-3 times daily · 4-8 weeks
Conservative entry dose; Ipamorelin is a selective GH secretagogue with a ~2 hour half-life, so doses are split through the day [1][2]. Used in research and practice to assess tolerance before titrating up.
200 mcg per injection
2-3 times daily · 8-12 weeks
Most commonly cited research/practice dose; gives a meaningful pulsatile GH release without raising cortisol or prolactin at standard doses [1][2].
300 mcg per injection
3 times daily · 8-12 weeks
Upper end of the commonly used range; total daily exposure split across three injections. Used in practice by experienced users [1].
SM-130686
Best suited for
Ipamorelin
Clean GH Boost Seekers
If you want the benefits of increased growth hormone without spiking cortisol or other stress hormones, Ipamorelin is uniquely selective. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it won't raise your cortisol levels even at doses 200 times higher than needed for GH release.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Ipamorelin shines for athletes who want better recovery between training sessions. The GH boost helps repair muscle tissue faster, and since it doesn't mess with other hormones, you can use it consistently without the rollercoaster effects.
Anti-Aging Enthusiasts
Growth hormone naturally declines as we age, contributing to muscle loss, fat gain, and reduced vitality. Ipamorelin offers a gentle way to restore more youthful GH levels without the risks of actual HGH therapy.
Those Recovering from Steroid Use
Research shows Ipamorelin can help counteract the muscle and bone-weakening effects of glucocorticoid medications. If you've been on steroids for medical reasons, this peptide may help you rebuild what you've lost.
SM-130686
Lean Mass Building in Trained Athletes
SM-130686 targets GHS-R to stimulate GH release, which supports anabolic processes. Preclinical studies in rats showed significant increases in fat-free mass and body weight when combined with resistance training principles.
Age-Related GH Decline
As a GHS-R agonist, SM-130686 may help restore physiological GH secretion in adults experiencing age-related decline. The oral route is convenient for long-term administration.
Recovery and Performance
GH supports tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and recovery. May benefit individuals engaged in intensive resistance training or athletic performance work.
Side effects
Ipamorelin
Common
- Mild headache
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Joint stiffness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
SM-130686
Common
- Appetite stimulation
- Transient water retention
Uncommon
- Joint or muscle aches
- Transient changes in blood glucose
Serious
- Potential carpal tunnel syndrome
- Unknown effects on tumor growth
Safety & evidence
Ipamorelin
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Ipamorelin's main selling point is that it raises growth hormone without raising cortisol or ACTH — two stress hormones that similar peptides do raise. That was shown in pigs, and it held even at doses more than 200 times higher than the amount needed to raise growth hormone [1]. It has not been checked in people. The two published human studies measured ipamorelin and growth hormone only; neither one assayed cortisol, ACTH or prolactin [2][3]. Most of what we know about safety in people comes from a single trial in patients recovering from bowel surgery. 114 people took part: 56 got ipamorelin through an IV for up to seven days, and 58 got a placebo. Most side effects were mild to moderate, and were the kind you would expect after surgery [3]. Serious problems happened at about the same rate in both groups — roughly 1 in 6 either way (17.9% on ipamorelin, 15.5% on placebo). But three things were more common on ipamorelin: low potassium in about 1 in 8 people versus about 1 in 30 on placebo (12.5% vs 3.4%), trouble sleeping in about 1 in 9 versus about 1 in 19 (10.7% vs 5.2%), and high blood sugar at discharge in about 1 in 7 versus about 1 in 12 (14.3% vs 8.6%) [6]. Two people taking ipamorelin died. Both had colon cancer surgery, and in both cases the surgical join in the bowel leaked afterward. Nobody on the placebo died. The FDA says it is unclear whether those deaths had anything to do with ipamorelin — but it pointed to them, along with the potassium and blood sugar differences, when it recommended in October 2024 against letting pharmacies compound ipamorelin [6].
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pituitary disorders or tumors
- Known allergy to peptide components
- Children and adolescents (growth plates still open)
SM-130686
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
SM-130686 is a research compound that has never been tested in humans. All safety and efficacy data come from animal studies (primarily rats). No human clinical trials have been conducted. Use carries unknown risks. Potential side effects based on GH physiology and limited preclinical work.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (no safety data)
- Active cancer (GH stimulation may be contraindicated)
- Uncontrolled diabetes (may affect glucose metabolism)
- Severe cardiovascular disease (GH effects on heart not fully characterized)
Which is right for you?
Choose Ipamorelin if...
- Muscle recovery and growth
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement
Choose SM-130686 if...
- Lean mass building (theoretical)
- Strength development (preclinical evidence)
- Body composition improvement (animal studies)